Fired Stroudsburg music teacher subject of police investigation

Christina TatuOf The Pocono Record (TNS)

A Stroudsburg Area School District music teacher who was fired from the district late last month is now being investigated by local police.

Brandon Flatley, who ran the district's fourth-grade string orchestra, high school pit orchestra and chamber music program for eighth- and ninth-graders, was fired on Dec. 23, confirmed Stroudsburg Superintendent John Toleno.

Toleno declined to comment on why Flatley was let go, but an investigation into his conduct has since been turned over to local police.

"I can confirm that we have an active investigation on the suspect and are aggressively pursuing all leads. We anticipate a resolution in the very near future," said Stroud Area Regional Police Capt. Brian Kimmins.

Kimmins declined to comment on the nature of the investigation or whether criminal charges could be filed.

"The Pennsylvania Department of Education cannot confirm or deny the receipt or filing of an educator misconduct complaint," said department spokesman Tim Eller on Tuesday when asked whether the department had received any notice from the district about Flatley's termination.

Flatley did not immediately return a phone call for comment Tuesday afternoon.

On Wednesday evening, the Stroudsburg Area School Board was expected to discuss how to handle the fourth-grade string orchestra, chamber music and pit orchestra programs Flatley taught, said Toleno.

As of Monday, when students returned to school from winter break, no one was filling in for Flatley, Toleno said.

The school board will have to decide whether to appoint a teacher to continue the programs.

Such a discussion is likely to take place in executive session since it involves a personnel issue, Toleno said.